Vieques trip Part 1

Our "Spring Break" destination this year was Vieques, Puerto Rico.  Planning for the trip began back in late July last year after a weekend spent with the Mathern's.  I think we may have actually invited ourselves along on their annual trip to the island (which we consider the Mathern's Island since they own land there). 

 Lance was the trip planning master which included booking flights, lodging, rental vehicle and excursions as well as a fabulous PowerPoint presentation showing highlights of the island.  And like a true planner, he kept all pertinent information housed in his trusty magic green folder.

 So we truly were able to just pack our bags and board the flight, knowing Lance had everything under control.  We had a 5 1/2 hr direct flight from Minneapolis to San Juan, Puerto Rico early Saturday, March 10th.  Steve was only one of us 4 who was able to sleep on the long flight while the rest of us made fun of him because we were super jealous of his mad-sleeping-skills.

 A quick 20 minute, puddle-jumper flight in the afternoon and the Mathern's island was in view.

We stayed the next week in this fabulous three bedroom Hilltop Hacienda, just outside of Isabel II, with views of the Atlantic ocean

 from the large veranda.

 This is the bedroom that Steve & I stayed in.  The windows were left open during the day to catch the ocean breeze, but we quickly learned that at night it was better to close the windows due to some barking battles some of the local dogs got into.

I loved that we could still hear and see the ocean from our room.  Saturday the 10th was pretty much a travel day for us.  We arrived in Vieques around 4:30 PM, but by the time we got our bright blue jeep and got checked in at the Hilltop, we were ready for a late supper (at Coconuts) and good night sleep.

March 11th, was our first official beach day.  After getting provisions at the grocery store, we got in about 5 hours at Orchid beach (aka Playa La Plata).  The soft sugar sand was amazing and the sound of the surf (on the Caribbean side of the island) was calm and relaxing. The mixed clouds kept us from getting very toasted, much to the disappointment of Denise & me.  Lance and Steve got in some snorkeling and spotted a stingray in between time on the sand.

Nothing beats a relaxing beach day like Bushwackers at a local restaurant in Esperanza called Bananas.  "Bushwacker down!" Our waitress, Tami from Wisconsin, was da bomb and kept treating us to extras.

Kauai Part 2

I am continuing the process of reviewing, editing and creating collages from our Kauai vacation. I love it because it helps me keep the details of the trip fresh in my mind. Since documenting & printing this blog has become our family scrapbook, it is important to me that I try to add the details and highlights of the trip. Keeping that in mind, please know it doesn't bother me if you just skip to the pics (remember to click to enlarge) and don't read all the boring deets. :-)

Initially, seven days in Kauai seemed like a sufficient amount of time, but in actuality, we weren't able to see all the sights and experience everything we originally set out to do. We significantly underestimated the impact the timezone change of 5 hr would have on us. It affected our sleeping and eating schedules and seemed by the time we were finally adjusted then it was time to leave. I guess this means that we will have to return some time in the future - Hurray!!
We visited many different beaches on Kauai including: Po'ipu beach (walking distance from our condo), Salt Pond Beach, Wailua beach, Anini beach, & Tunnels beach. One thing we noticed about the Kauai beaches was how sticky the sand was. There was no brushing this stuff off your skin even when it was dry. It was the strangest thing ever! It was also squishy...where you sink down, not firm and compact like I expected. Lots of interesting sand castles were all over on the beaches, but we didn't build any. We also had quite a collection of sand coating the inside of our rental jeep. Messy stuff for sure!
One of the big excursions planned by Steve was an open-air (door-less) helicopter tour of the island, which he scheduled for Monday morning and lasted about an hour. This was the first helicopter ride for both Steve & I. We were able to converse with the pilot via two-way intercom built into our noise reduction headphones. The views were extraordinary and amazing, even if it was hard to maneuver to take photos. Part of the prep before getting loaded into the Hughes 500 was to sign all the liability wavers and to be weighed. Yup - we had to step on a scale, so no cheating. This information was kept private, but was important apparently for load balancing.
Here is a diagram of the seating on the chopper. The P = pilot. The little mini-seat in the middle ended up being my seat. Steve and the other couple riding with us had the remaining seats and literally had an arm and leg hanging out of the helicopter. For some reason, I didn't understand this detail and was looking forward to being able to lean out of the side of the helicopter while taking photos. Instead, I was the monkey-in-the-middle and felt like a little kid squished between to larger guys (Pilot Jason & Steve). I think I was well prepared for this role since I am a middle-child, who was frequently sandwiched between my two brothers in various pick-ups & station wagons during my childhood. I highly recommend this activity. It was definitely a highlight for us.
Another organized activity we decided to partake in was a river kayak and hike to get to the Secret Waterfall. The trip lasted almost 5 hrs and was a very worthwhile trip. We started out with a two mile kayak on the Wailua River. It took Steve & I a couple minutes to get our steering down, but once we mastered it we were the speed-demons of our 8 person group. After reaching our landing spot, we began a 1 mile hike. Although a short hike, it actually took nearly an hour because of the rough terrain, including a river crossing holding onto a rope. Our guide was extremely helpful with pointing out unique vegetation as well as sharing island history. One thing that was very surprising was to see the damage caused the previous week by an overland flood when 17 inches of rain fell in one day. So glad we weren't in Kauai then! The guide also shared a lilikoi (a.k.a. yellow passion fruit) he found on the ground with those brave enough to try it. It looked disgusting, but the taste was amazing.

When we arrived at the Secret Falls, we were captivated! Secret Falls is a 120 ft, roaring, and beautiful sight. We swam in the pool, but had to be very careful because of the vortex the falling water created. Steve was much braver than me. We were also warned about random boulders being tossed down the falls. Didn't need one of those to land on our heads! We had a simple lunch of sandwiches and juicy pineapple. Once everyone was done eating, swimming and taking photos we hiked back to our kayaks. This excursion got two thumbs up from Steve and me.
In addition to being obsessed with flowers, I can't get enough of crashing waves and roaring waterfalls! Kauai was a visual & auditory feast for me. Some of the falls we were able to drive up to, some we saw while on the helicopter tour & one was from the kayak/hike trip. The waves were stronger some days and there were always surfers taking advantage of the water ride. Surfing is an activity that we weren't able to squeeze in, so that is still on my bucket list.
I did take a few pics of some wildlife we saw: Some were playful (spinner dolphins), some were creepy (huge spider), some were annoying (early morning rooster wake up calls), some were colorful (koi) & some we were glad we didn't encounter (man-o-war jelly fish). I loved the spinner dolphins and the tiny lizard stuck to our patio door one morning.

The most amazing creature of all was the huge green sea turtle we encountered while snorkeling off of Tunnels beach.
Of course, I have no pictures so I grabbed this photo off the Internet. This ancient, magnificent marine animal was graceful, yet prehistoric looking. I was so excited when I spotted it that I nearly inhaled ocean water gesturing to Steve to make sure he saw it as well. I watched it for a long time as he munched on the coral. Truly one of the highlights of the trip for me!

Kauai Part 1

We thought our vacation to celebrate our 20 anniversary together was wonderful, AMAZING and so very memorable. Sure there were things that didn't work out exactly as we had hoped, but overall it was the trip of a lifetime. I took over 1100 pics in Kauai, plus Steve made many short video clips. I also tried to keep a daily journal of the activities/events/moments, but I have to say, it is difficult to express and share how wonderful it was. The one thing I do know is that the visual snip-its from our vacation invoke feelings of bubbly laughter, warmth, relaxation and love for me.
We landed in Kauai in the late afternoon on Saturday, May 14th. The airport in Lihue was basically open air, so the heavy warm air was the first thing we noticed. Then the wonderful smells tickled my senses because there were beautiful flowers everywhere. On the tops of trees, on the shrubs, simply all over! Steve bought me a flower lei while were were waiting for our checked bag (I'll have to explain more later about our LEARNS on how to pack light). Having the lei wrapped around my neck made the flower fragrance almost too overpowering for me. The beauty of the landscape was surreal. It looked like a movie set and we were still at the airport!
I have always been captivated by flowers and I tried to photograph the amazing varieties. It is no surprise that Kauai is called the garden Isle. On the second day, we toured part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens called the McBryde gardens. The curator told us that during the month of May, there are more flowers blooming on Kauai than at any other time. I gave a silent prayer of thanks to God for leading us here for our anniversary vacation because there were so many other locations we were originally trying to go to. My heart literally swells when I look at the intricate beauty of a flower. I had originally told Steve that we didn't have to go to the botanical gardens together, he could just drop me off and do something else. Steve said, "I want to go with you. It makes me happy to see how excited you get about flowers." Really?? Made me fall even more in love with him.
Since were were staying on the south side of the island (Kiahuna Plantation Resort Condominiums in Po'ipu), we were able to take in every sunset. Some sunsets were more spectacular than others because it depended upon the cloud cover. We also were able to experience the full moon and enjoyed the impact of it on the tide. The beach was ever changing and we made a point to walk the beach together every evening. Nothing is more romantic to us than the sound, smell, feel and beauty of walking along the beautiful beach barefoot, listening to the waves crash, while holding hands with each other.

(Tip: If you click on the collage, it will open up larger to enable better viewing of the photos.)

Count down to Kauai = 1 week

Officially beginning to pack. Steve & I are hoping to fit our stuff into one carry-on each and checking one bag with our dive gear. Not sure if we can be as efficient as the Matherns, but at least we have something to aspire towards!
I talked Steve into letting me get a new wide-angle lens for my Nikon today. I am so excited to try my best to capture the beauty of Kauai.

Countdown to Kauai - 2 weeks

We were so lucky to spend time with travel experts and fabulous friends, Lance & Denise, who have traveled to Kauai and gave us insider information on where to eat, what beaches they loved & great activities like a helicopter ride over the island. We are definitely getting excited about this once in a lifetime anniversary trip!

Countdown to Kauai = 3 weeks

Over 50 miles of white sand beaches... so many choices!
Haena beach...
Tunnels beach...

Countdown to Kauai

4 weeks to go, so I am beginning my official count down to paradise! Gonna work on some research today on must do activities while there for 7 days with my sweetie. If you have any suggestions, let me know. We want to make sure our 20th anniversary is memorable!
Wailua Falls, Kauai

Snorkel, scuba, sand, sunset... lots of fabulous "S" words for a sweet vacation!

The birthday boots

I got these awesome boots while shopping with two of my besties at Kohl's in Sioux Falls on my birthday (Oct 15th)... with birthday money from my MIL... so they are officially my "birthday boots". Little did I know what adventures I would end up having with my birthday boots just one week later on October 21. Here is how that went down (literally).
I chose to wear my new birthday boots for the first time on our way to Greeley, CO on Thursday, October 21st. We actually departed from Sioux Falls by 6:00 AM, where we had spent the night with one of my oldest friends from college and her three kids. Needless to say, by the time we reached Greeley 10 hours later, we all had a serious case of seat-butt. As soon as we pulled into the Bytnar's driveway at 3:00 PM, Kippy, Abby & I hopped into Kathy's vehicle to go pick up Darian from school as a surprise. By then, my boots had been in 3 states in one day... SD, NE & CO, yet I hadn't even walked more than one block in total in them. The surprise pick-up of Darian was a success and we went back to the Bytnar household.

Kathy asked if I wanted to go for a walk before supper and of course, I was all up for that... 1. I would get some visiting time in with MYKathy. 2. The prospect of moving after sitting for so long sounded blissful.

I told Kathy I would quick go change into my tennie-shoes. I grabbed some bags and headed downstairs to the guest bedroom, but not before Kathy said, "Let me help you with those bags." I refused because I felt I had it under control and both hands were equally balanced, so no help needed, right? I quickly headed down the steps and made it to the first landing, turned and started down the remaining steps. Since my hands were full of bags, I wasn't using the railing and I was still wearing my birthday boots. This is where things get a little fuzzy. I believe I was about 3 or 4 steps from the bottom and the heel of my left boot caught on the carpet. It just caused a slight tug, but it was enough to throw my balance off and with the downward momentum I basically launched off the stairs. I landed with a jarring splat onto the cork flooring at the base of the steps. Kathy heard the sound and at first thought I had dropped one of my bags. I heard her call out, "Renae, are you ok?" but my breath was knocked out of me and I couldn't answer. In fact, I didn't feel like I could even move at all. I was face down and my left cheek and jaw were on fire. My first thought was my teeth. I moved my tongue around and thankfully didn't feel any fragments. My second thought was my cheek bone. While still laying face down, I brought my right hand to feel my left cheek. It felt ok, but my hand was full of blood and I didn't have any idea where it was coming from. Kathy was now beside me and Abby was right behind her. Kathy told Abby to go get Steve, who was out on the patio with Reno. I was responding as best as I could to Kathy's questions. She moved the bags out of the way. I could feel a warm pool of blood under the left side of my face, which began to make me very dizzy with tunnel vision. Steve quickly came to help out and when he had me lift my head he said, "We need to get her to the ER." I still wasn't sure what was bleeding and I felt so very light headed. I saw Abby's face and her eyes were big with fear. I told her I was fine and it didn't hurt. Steve said it was my chin that was bleeding. Steve & Kathy worked quickly to clean me up enough to sit up without letting me see too much of the red stuff.

The game plan was hatched. Kathy would be the one to take me to Urgent care since she knew the way. I told Steve to stay with the kids because one helper was enough. Steve kindly took this picture just before we departed to the ER.
Together, we waited at Urgent Care. We messed around taking pictures and basically tried to keep me distracted. Things were going pretty smooth, until the nurse asked to see the wound. I moved the washcloth/icepack combo for her to look at it. She checked it out and then very seriously told me, "I have to tell you not to drink anything because you have a hole and it will go right through." I turned and looked at Kathy, with my eyes wide in fear. Then the nurse patted my leg and said she was just kidding. NOT the best joke I have ever heard.

Once I filled out the appropriate paperwork and waited until it was my turn, I was directed to an exam room. Kathy was busy texting between Reno and Steve (Rupe) on the progress. The guys and kids were taking bets on how many stitches I would get. Truly I had a lot of laughs during this process. I think the nurse and Dr. both wanted to come hang out with us.

Can't believe that I was only in the Bytnar's house for 5 minutes after a nearly 900 mile trip and did this to myself. One thing for certain is that I was very glad it was me and not anyone else. I am sure my heart would have stopped beating if I would have come upon someone laying at the bottom of the stairs in a pool of blood. Just saying.
The Dr. was really very nice. When she found out there were bets on the number of stitches, she asked us not to tell her the number so that she wouldn't be biased. I will have to admit my chin didn't hurt at all until the Novocaine shots were administered. Then I became very, very aware of my chin. IT BURNED LIKE FIRE! This was my first injury requiring stitches. I have had stitches for 4 different moles I have had removed, but I don't remember the Novocaine burning in the same way. Of course, I had stitches post-childbirth, but my memory of that is really fuzzy too. My first thought was about Kippy. She was 5 when she had cut the back of her head and gotten 2 stitches. I felt bad that I wasn't sympathetic enough when she had the Novocaine shots. {Sorry, Kippy!}

The total number of stitches was 7. Steve had guessed 5, so he was the closest in the betting pool. I told the Dr. it would be really fun if she would just throw her hands up in the air after tying the last knot, like at the rodeo when cowboys finish tying the calf's legs. Yup - I think random things during traumatizing events.

Kathy & I never did get to go on a walk. I do want to credit Kathy for staying calm thus keeping me calm. I came close, but never fainted, so that is an improvement for me. Poor Kathy, this is the second time we have gotten together this year and the second time she has had to deal with my blood aversion this year as well.

Everything in my body hurt much worse the next morning. Bruises showed up on my elbows, right rib cage and on my left hand. There must have been all kinds of flailing going on when I fell. I kind of wish I could see what happened on a hidden camera or something. The best I can piece together for a lesson learned is DO NOT WEAR YOUR BOOTS IN SOMEONE'S HOUSE. I really don't know why I hadn't taken those boots off right when I came in the door. I think it was because I was thinking that they were new and not dirty and I was in a hurry to change my shoes and so excited to be there after the drive, basically I wasn't even thinking straight.

2 days post injury... swelling had gone down more. The big joke was that I looked like the lunch lady with my 14 black whiskers sticking out of my chin because all you could see is the stitches from under my chin.
5 days post injury and right after having the stitches removed by my girl HH.

Who would have thought these birthday boots would be the cause of so much chaos? I am sure my scar will last much longer than the fabled boots.

Colorado Trip Highlights {Part 3}

Saturday, October 23rd, was a perfect mix of something-for-everyone day. Kathy and I were the early birds on Saturday morning and took that opportunity to go for an enjoyable 4 mile jaunt in the cool 35 degree mountain air. Kathy kept me challenged because we talked the entire time we were running and I think the higher altitude added to me being a heavy-breather the whole way. My dream would be to have Kathy as my running partner EVERY day, but I'll take whatever time I can get. In addition to the company, another beautiful thing about being in Greeley this time of year is their trees were in full Fall color, while back in Fergus, we only had naked, bare trees. I got to extend my most favorite season on this vacation - lucky me!

By the time we got back, our hubbies were awake, while the kids were still snoozing. The four of us headed out to have breakfast at Starbucks. Can you say Pumpkin Spice Latte? Oh, my, what a perfect treat, plus you have to remember, there isn't a Starbucks within 50 miles of Fergus {GASP}! We returned from our caffeine-high just in time for Kathy to whip up a big breakfast for the kids.
We squeezed in some card-playing-time before lunch by playing Golf. Drake opted out, but I think after hearing the 7 of us laughing and carrying on, he secretly wished he would have played with us. Right, Drake?

I had to get a few pics in of these 4 fantastic kids together. They're all growing up WAY too fast {sniff, sniff}.

They are wonderful friends and for that, I am so grateful. The relationship these 4 have is truly a major reason we chose to spend our MEA weekend with the Bytnar Family.
After lunch, it was guys-only time. They loaded up in Stella, to take a drive up into the mountains to enjoy the scenery, but mostly to rev-up Stella through the hairpin switchbacks. Can you say testosterone? Vroom-vroom...
While the guys were doing their thing, we were getting in some quality girl-time in Loveland.
We kept the girls in suspense on the destination until we got to the movie theater, where we went to the movie Secretariat. We were nearly late, but the bonus was that we didn't have to sit through any boring previews. We had perfect seats for a heartwarming and wonderful movie. Seriously, my high for the day was being in that moment, sitting right where I was in the theater at Loveland. It wouldn't have mattered if the movie totally tanked (which it didn't). I turned and looked to my left and watched Abby, Darian & Kippy thoroughly engrossed in the movie and then turned to my right to see my Kathy. There I was sitting right beside my best friend, who I treasure so much. Talk about a blessing.

We did a little shopping after the movie... nothing like a little retail therapy to end a perfectly wonderful girls-only afternoon!

We switched from a girls-only and guys-only afternoon, to double-date night. The kids got to enjoy pizza, movies and hot-tub time at home, while the adults fancied up for an evening out. In hindsight, I feel like we failed at taking pictures because !SNAP! - we looked good. The issue was cocktail hour at the Bytnar Tavern went a little too long and we had to rush like crazy in the end to get to our dinner reservation. I really wish I would have taken my camera along with that night just to document the moment. However, the important thing was we were there together and I did get this one pic of Kathy & I dressed up, so it is all good.

I wanted to stay up all night just to make our time together last longer, but the mean-old-sleep-monster put an end to that bright idea. We got up at the butt-crack of dawn and were on the road back to Fergus by 5:00 AM on Sunday. The kids quickly settled back to sleep, while Steve & I had a chance to reflect on our time in Greeley.
I always have such a very hard time with goodbyes, but Kathy knows this. My girls know this and of course Steve knows it too. The tears seem to just flow and flow and have a life of their own. I am grateful for the time we do have together, really I am. I just get so emotional about when that time ends. I am so very appreciative for Steve driving us over 1700 in those 4 days. It was a wonderful vacation for sure with a lifetime of memories packed into it.
My Kathy...she is special to me, but the thing is she is special to Abby, Angelique and Steve, too. So I always call her MYKathy... just so my family knows I got special dibs on her.

I'm already mentally planning our next get-together in 2011, when we jointly celebrate our 20th anniversary with the Landmarks.

Thank you Bytnar family and a special thank you to Kathy, the events planner. IT WAS A 10!!

Colorado Trip Highlights {Part 2}

After ziplining & CornMaze-hiking, our event planner {a.k.a. Kathy} still had more in store for us and surprises for the kids. Friday evening was an official FNO {Family Night Out}. Once Drake & Darian got home from school, we were told to "fancy-it-up".
Which of course, requires pictures before departing for phase 1...

{Drake is 14 & a Freshman, Darian is 11 and a 6th grader}

The four Lindgrens

{celebrating a wonderful 19 year friendship}

{Darian & I were surprised as how similar our "fancy" outfits were, including black bedazzled tops and black boots.}

of the evening...supper at the Rio Grande in downtown Greeley. The authentic Mexican fare and wonderful old-world atmosphere were fantastic. The time flew by as we shared our adventures as well as listened to what happened during the day for Drake, Darian and Steve, who weren't able to join us. In the Bytnar tradition, we circled the table and had each person individually tell his/her "High, Low, Learn & how-you-Helped-someone" for the day, which always brings up something unique.

From supper we departed for phase 2 of the FNO and walked over to the Union Colony Theater. My heart seriously swells with happiness watching these 4 kids enjoy one another's company, although night-time photography using a little point-n-shoot, leaves a lot to be desired.
Presenting... The Comedy Pet Theater starring Popovich! The show was a surprise for Abby & Angelique. It was a HUGE hit & so darn entertaining. The theater balcony seats were fabulous. Cats, dogs, geese, parrots and even some rats performed tricks as well as some amazing juggling sequences by Popovich himself.
The finale of the evening was the adults-only hot tub time back at Casa de Bytnar. Can't think of a better way to cap off such a great FNO than relaxing with friends at the end of a fun filled day.